UNICEF Innocenti published a rapid evidence assessment report (REA) examining the impact of educational policies and programs on child work and child labour in low- and middle-income countries.
Insufficient access to school, low school quality, discriminatory practices or equity gaps in class are critical push factors for child labour. In many contexts, school is not seen as a cost-effective alternative to child labour. In these settings, children engage in child labour as their households cannot afford the cost of education.
The REA covered 29 published studies and found that scholarships and educational remittances considerably reduced the likelihood of children working – but it depended on the programme design. Read the full study report for more information.